(UPDATE) 3 leftist rebels killed in clash with gov't troops in Bulacan

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Three members of the leftist rebel group of New People's Army (NPA) were killed and a soldier was wounded in a firefight in Dona Remidious Trinidad, Bulacan this morning, military said later today.

Colonel Henry Sabarre, commander of the Philippine Army's 703rd Brigade, said troops from the 48th Infantry Battalion were sent to the town's Kabayunan village after concerned citizens informed the military of rebel presence.

"As part of their mass base works, they were recruiting," Sabarre said of the rebels. "If ever they have a target of opportunity, they'll target military installations, vital installations and communication (facilities)."

Sabarre said the government troops were approaching the reported location of the rebels at around 6 a.m. when at least 12 rebels opened fire at the soldiers, ensuing a 10-minute firefight.

When the fighting ended, he said the troops retrieved at the encounter site three enemy bodies and an M16 rifle. "However, we suffered one wounded," the officer added.

According to the military, Philippine government troops also recovered an M-16 rifle from the clash site, and soldiers were still searching the area in order to capture the fled militants.